DEVELOPING STORY: Flooding on the Blue Earth River breached the Rapidan Dam Monday morning and it’s now in an “imminent failure condition,” officials said. Watch videos below.
Le Sueur County residents in low-lying areas of the Minnesota River Valley are advised to closely monitor the situation and potentially evacuate, according to the county’s emergency management office. The agency initially said the dam had failed, but later updated that the dam had been breached.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for areas downstream until 4:30 p.m.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says debris started accumulating on Sunday at the 114-year-old dam, located about 10 miles southwest of Mankato, placing it “in imminent failure condition.”
Dam operators alerted officials at about 10:36 a.m. Monday the river had significantly eroded earth around the west side of the dam on the south side of Mankato, the National Weather Service says.
Gov. Tim Walz released a statement on the dam Monday afternoon.
“Our agencies are in close contact with Blue Earth County and other local officials regarding the Rapidan Dam near Mankato. Emergency management is on the ground and acting quickly to ensure the safety of Minnesotans as the situation develops,” Walz said.
JUST IN: The Rapidan Dam in Mankato, Minnesota is in imminent danger of failing.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 24, 2024
According to officials, the dam may fail as debris continues to pile up around it. The dam was built between 1908 & 1910 for hydroelectric purposes.
Residents living downstream have been warned… pic.twitter.com/TsBnyF7rrE
Rapidan Dam in 'imminent failure condition' in south central Minnesota
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) June 24, 2024
Live updates: https://t.co/EOmOcz8lY3
Flash Flood Warning for Blue Earth County until 4:30 PM.
Hwy 169 ramps near Mankato/North Mankato closed as the city constructs an earthen dike in this area. pic.twitter.com/WVkTMMMWdG
🚨Rapid Dam Failure Surrounding Towns
— Shred News (@Shreddick0) June 24, 2024
•Imminent failure of Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, due to heavy rains and rising Blue Earth River levels.
•Dam, constructed in 1908, poses a risk of severe flooding in West Mankato and lower North Mankato.
•Local… pic.twitter.com/UucAhp44XI